SKIPPER Keith Ryan insisted Wanderers will reach the play-offs after the Blues gave promotion favourites Wigan an almighty fright before losing to a flukey late winner.

Ryan said after Saturday's 2-1 defeat in Lancashire: "We're devastated about this result. We didn't deserve to come away from here with nothing.

"We worked our hearts out and showed again that we're as good as any team in this league.

"We've proved that we're as good as Millwall and Wigan and we've already beaten Walsall this year. We've got nothing to fear from anyone in this division."

He is convinced that eighth placed Wanderers can bridge the four-point gap between them and the play-off positions.

He said: "It's not even half time in the league yet. We'll be doing everything we can for the rest of the season because we know we're capable of finishing in the top six and that's our aim."

After a panic-stricken opening ten minutes against second-placed Wigan, Wanderers rediscovered their early-season best form as they traded punches with Bruce Rioch's heavyweights.

On-loan Chelsea striker Sam Parkin opened his Wanderers account with the equaliser at the start of the second half and showed signs of forging an encouraging partnership with battering-ram striker Andy Rammell.

Boss Lawrie Sanchez said: "They looked lively, I couldn't fault any of the players and if we keep performing like that we will go places."

Midfielder Steve Brown was also encouraged but said: "We know we're good enough to get into the play-offs but we've got to start proving it with points.

"It's no good saying we can take heart from the performance because heart isn't going to win promotion points do that."

Wanderers looked set for a point when Parkin cancelled out Simon Haworth's fourth minute opener. But a fluked mishit cross from substitute Neil Roberts four minutes from time snatched the points for the hosts.